Wildlife photography is an exhilarating experience, especially when capturing animals in their natural habitat. One of my favorite spots to photograph wildlife is the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Every year, I make it a point to visit a particular Mulberry Tree, which is a great location for capturing birds feasting on the sweet, succulent mulberries. Among the different birds that visit the tree, the early morning light provides the perfect opportunity for some amazing shots.
During my recent visit, the Mulberry Tree surprised me with a surprise guest, a Raccoon! While I didn’t get a good photo of it, I was able to capture this Raccoon eating in a different Mulberry Tree back on May 22, 2014.
Raccoons are known for their omnivorous diet, which means they eat both plant and animal-based food. Their diet mainly consists of nuts, berries, insects, fish, and small mammals like mice, squirrels, and rabbits. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and can adapt to different food sources depending on the availability. They are known to raid gardens, bird feeders, and trash cans in search of food.
Interestingly, raccoons have a peculiar habit of dunking their food in water before eating it. This behavior is called “dousing” and is believed to soften their food and make it easier to digest. They can also use their sensitive front paws to manipulate and hold their food while eating.
In addition to their unique eating habits, raccoons are fascinating creatures with a distinctive appearance. They have a distinct black mask around their eyes, which is used to reduce glare and help them see better in the dark. Their bushy tails and striped fur are also unique features that make them easily identifiable.
Capturing wildlife in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience, and the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic location for any wildlife photographer. Whether it’s capturing birds or unexpected guests like the Raccoon, there is always something new and exciting to photograph.
How I Got The Shot:
I had my Canon EOS 7D camera with a Canon EF100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens attached resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture f5.6
- ISO 400
- Shutter speed – 1/400 sec.
- Focal Length – 390 mm
Here is another photo of a Raccoon from this refuge: Cinnamon Raccoon In Oklahoma